Cord Blood Tests
Alternate Names : Cord Blood Test, Cord Blood Sampling
Cord blood tests are done on a blood sample collected from
the umbilical cord of a newborn. A variety of tests may be done on this
blood sample. The type of test done depends on whether there were any
problems during the pregnancy
or during labor and birth.
Who is a candidate for the test?
A cord blood test is only done on newborns. Most hospitals
routinely collect a cord blood sample when a baby is born.
How is the test performed?
Once the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut.
A second clamp is placed about 8 to 10 inches away from the first clamp.
The cord is cut there as well. The blood sample is taken from this section
of the cord. No pain is felt by the mother or baby.
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